The Andhra University in Visakhapatnam and Aptuit Laurus Private Limited, the Hyderabad-based contract development and life sciences company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual collaboration in the areas of research, training, consultancy work and technology management.

The MoU is aimed at collaborative efforts between the industry and academia, and initiate scientific interaction for mutual benefit. It will facilitate the recognition of Aptuit Laurus research and development centre to register its scientists with the Andhra University for pursuing Ph.D in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences.

"The collaborative initiative with Aptuit Laurus is part of our efforts to come closer to the industry and achieve greater synergy between the industry and academia. The MoU will go a long way in understanding the requirements of the industry and leverage the strengths of both in the area of pharmaceutical research", said Dr. L. Venu Gopal Reddy, vice-chancellor of Andhra University.

Founded in 1926, Andhra University is one of the premier universities in the country with strong research guidance capabilities in life sciences and pharmaceutical industry. The university has produced many eminent scientist have distinguishing track records in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Aptuit Laurus research and development centre has about 300 scientists, of which about 25 are Ph.Ds with rich experience in the pharmaceutical industry. The total strength of R&D scientists is expected to cross 600 in coming period.

"We are happy to be associated with the Andhra University in our endeavor to offer integrated R&D solutions to the global pharmaceutical industry. As the alumni of Andhra University, we see a good potential of the research guidance that is available at the University for the Pharmaceutical Industry and sincerely believe that the association would result in major achievements in due course," said Dr. Satyanarayana Chava, chief executive officer of Aptuit Laurus.

Aptuit Laurus offers the contract research services on early stage drug development and medicinal chemistry, provides cost effective and innovative process development for generic drug substances besides analytical services; early stage dosage form development for clinical studies; third party consultancy services contract manufacturing. The company is setting up active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing facility at Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City in Parawada near Visakhapatnam.